Automatic partition strip nesting machine



April 24, 1956 s. E. scHRoEDER AUTOMATIC PARTITION STRIP NESTING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 April 24, 1956 s. E. scHRoEDER `AUTOMATIC PARTITION STRIP NESTING MACHINE Filed June 8, 1950 S Wm April 24, 1956 s. E. scHRoEDr-:R

AUTOMATIC PARTITION STRIP NEsTING MACHINE .lll

.wwma I.. A

ATTORNEYS.

MoN E. 6CH/P0505@ 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 Flled June 8, 1950 April 24, 1956 s. E. scHRol-:DER

AUTOMATIC PARTITION STRIP NESTING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 8, 1950 HTToEh/E Y6.

April Z4, 1956 s. E.. scHRol-:DER 2,742,827

AUTOMATIC PARTITION STRIP NESTING MACHINE Filed June 8, 1950 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Apri124, 195e Filed June 8, 1950 S. E. SCHROEDER AUTOMATIC PARTITION STRIP NESTING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 HrTo April 24,

S. E. SCHROEDER AUTOMATIC PARTITION STRIP NESTING MACHINE Filed June 8. 1950 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 "E Q M5 y Em i MEMS.

S. E. "SCHROEDER April 24, 1956 v2,742,827

AUTOMATIC PARTITION STRIP NESTING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed June 8, 1950 April 24, 1956 s. E. scHoEDER 2,742,827

AUTOMATIC PARTITION STRIP NESTING MACHINE z 293 235 /N VEN Toe: 279 5040A/ f. 5th/0505@ United States Patent' AUTOMATIC PARTITION STRIP NESTING MACHNE Application .lune 8, 1956, Serial No. 166,863

18 Claims. (Cl. 93-37)l The present invention relates generally to partition forming machines, and more particularly to an automatic partition strip nesting or assembling machine which will handle preformed longitudinal and transverse partition strips of various sizes and of various types of material to assemble them into completed partition assemblies or carton dividers.

The partition forming industry has long required'a partition forming machine of the automatic type which will not only efficiently handle partition strips of relatively narrow gauge, but will also eiiiciently handle corrugated paperboard which is relatively thick and crushable. Automatic partition forming machines presently in use in the making of paperboard partitions of compressed stock of relatively narrow gauge cannot handle corrugated paperboard without seriously damaging this crushable material.` chines for assembling preformed corrugated partition strips are extremely slow and frequently damage the stock resulting in machine stoppages and damaged partitions.

In brief, the present improved automatic partition strip nesting machine incorporates two right angularly disposed automatic partition strip feeding mechanisms, two partition strip conveyor mechanisms, one being at the discharge end of each feeding mechanism, and a nesting mechanism located at the focal point of the two conveyor mechanisms which receives edgewise disposed partition strips from the conveyor mechanisms andpositively nests them to form partition assemblies. The two automatic partition strip feeding mechanisms are identical with each other and with the corresponding parts of the automatic partition strip feeding mechanism fully disclosed in the applicants copending application, Serial No. 150,442, tiled March 18, 1950, such corresponding parts of said copending application being fully incorporated herein by reference. The present machine requires that preformed partition strips be stacked in the hoppers of the feeding mechanisms, but it is fully automatic in its handling of such stacked partition strips to form completed partitions. The several component mechanisms of the instant machine are adjustable so that partition strips of various lengths, widths, and thicknesses may be handled.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic partition strip nesting machine which will efficiently and speedily handle preformed partition strips of corrugated paperboard, or of any otherv paperboard or like material, to produce` undamaged partition assemblies at a fast rate.

Another object'is to provide a novel and improved automatic partition strip nesting machine which is of high elasticity in being widely adjustable in its several component mechanisms. f

Another object is to provide an improved automatic partition strip nesting machine which is positive in its nesting or assembling action so that, with any particular selected adjustments, the nesting actions are identical to provide fully nested partitions.

Presently used semiautomatic ma- Patented Apr. 24, 1956 Another object is to provide an'improved automatic partition strip nesting machine which will assemble crushable corrugated partition strips at high speeds without damage to the individual partition strips and without damage to the assembled partitions, and which will also handle partition strips of other materials in like manner.

Another object is to provide an improved automatic partition strip nesting machine which is fully automatic in the nesting of supplied preformed partition ystrips of any selected material. y

Anotherobject is to provide an improved automatic partition strip nesting machine which incorporates novel nesting mechanism for moving a superposed group of edgewise partition strips'into nesting relation withan'other group of edgewise partition strips disposedatright angles thereto which is positive in its assembling action,

Other objects'are to provide an improved automatic partition strip nesting machine which, although massive, is of relatively simple construction and of relatively simple operation, which is capable of attaining' and maintaining a high eflicient speed of operation, which is rugged in its massiveness, thereby reducing maintenance to a minimum including maintenance required in the replacing of moving parts, which is multi-adjustable throughout its component mechanisms in a manner rendering adjustments easily accessible and speedy so that lost time caused by a changeover to accommodate a different size or type of partition strip is reduced to a bare minimum which is a positive improvement over existing partition forming machines, which incorporates aminimum number of moving parts thereby reducing breakdown possibilities, which, in comparison with other partition forming machines, is relatively inexpensive, which pushes groups of partition strips into the nesting zone, and which otherwise overcomes the deficiencies existing in partition forming machines presently employed by the industry.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages are apparent from the following description taken with the accompanying drawings, in which: l

Fig. l1 is a rear elevational view of an automatic nesting machine for preformed partition strips incorporating the concepts of the present invention, some of fthe elements which would appear in the far distanceVV being omitted for clarity (sheet l); i

Fig. 2 is a right hand elevational View thereof, some of the elements in the background being omitted for clarity (sheet 2);

Fig. 3 is a front elevational view thereof, the-cover for a sprocket chain being omitted (sheet 3);'

Fig. 4 is a left hand elevationalY view thereof,'s'ome of the elements in the far distance being omitted fo clarity (sheet 4);

Fig. 5 is a top plan view thereof (sheet 5);

Fig. 6 is an enlarged front elevational viewfof the nesting mechanism, the cover plates'for the housingsenclosing the horizontal rack bars andassociated elements being removed (sheet 6);

Fig. 7 is an enlarged rear elevational view of the nesting mechanism taken on substantially the line 7'4-7 of Fig. 2 (sheet 7);

Fig. 8 is a horizontal cross-sectional view on the line 8 8 of Fig. 6 (sheet 2); y

Figs. 9, 10 and 11 arefenlarged vertical cross-sectional views on the respective lines 9-9, 10Q-10 and 11-11 in Fig. 8 (sheet 2); v y

Fig. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view'of a portion of Fig. 10 (sheet 2);

Fig. 13 is a horizontal cross-sectional view on the line 13-'13 of Fig. 12 (sheet 2);

."Fig. 14 isa fragmentary elevational view, partly in section, on approximately the line 14-14 of Fig. 5v (sheet 5);

Fig. is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view on the line 15-15 of Fig. 6 (sheet 5);

Fig. 16 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view on the line 16-16 of Fig. 6 (sheet 4);

Fig. 17 is an enlarged horizontal cross-sectional view on the line 17-17 of Fig. 6 (sheet 8);

Fig. 18 is a further enlarged vertical cross-sectional view on the 18-13 of Fig. 8 (sheet 7);

Fig. 19 is a horizontal cross-sectional view on the line 19-19 of Fig. 18 (sheet 6);

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view on an enlarged scale of the lower left hand portion of Fig. 1l (sheet 7);

Fig. 21 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view, partially in section, of one conveyor mechanism indicated as taken on the line 21-21 of Fig. 3 (sheet 8);

Fig. 22 is a vertical cross-sectional View on a slightly reduced scale, taken on the line 22-22 of Fig. 2l (sheet 8);

Fig. 23 is a fragmentary horizontal cross-sectional view on the line 23-23 of Fig. 7 (sheet 7);

Fig. 24 is a top plan view of a finger plate for positioning and holding the lower fed partition strips (sheet 7);

Fig. 25 is a vertical cross-sectional view on the line 25-25 of Fig. 6 (sheet 9);

Fig. 26 is a top plan view of one of the two supporting brackets which hold the guide plates receiving the upper fed partition strips (sheet 6);

Fig. 27 is a top plan view of one of the two supporting brackets which holds the lower fed partition strip support plate (sheet 6);

Fig. 28 is a view of a mounting plate for a cam operated lever (sheet 6);

Fig. 29 is a view of a lever pivotally supported by such mounting plate (sheet 6);

Fig. 30 is a top plan View on an enlarged scale of the support column of the nesting mechanism (sheet 1);

Fig. 31 is a top plan view of one of the vertically adjustable blocks which support the horizontal rack bar housings (sheet 2);

Fig. 32 is a top plan view of one of the vertically adjustable blocks which support partition strip receiving units (sheet 2);

Fig. 33 is a top plan view on an enlarged scale of one of the partition strip conveyor base plates (sheet 9);

Fig. 34 is an end view thereof (sheet 9);

Fig. 35 is a top plan view of one partition strip conveyor mechanism shown detached (sheet 9);

Fig. 36 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view on the line 36-36 of Fig. 35 (sheet 9);

Fig. 37 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view on the line 37--37 of Fig. 35 (sheet 3);

Fig. 38 is a vertical cross-sectional view on the line 38--38 of Fig. 35 (sheet 3);

Figs. 39 and 40 are enlarged vertical transverse crosssectional views on the respective lines 39-39 and 49--40 of Fig. 37 (sheet 3);

Fig. 41 is a cross-sectional detail of the pusher bar mounting (sheet 3);

Fig. 42 is a horizontal cross-sectional View on an enlarged scale of the lower left-hand corner portion of Fig. 35 (sheet 4);

Fig. 43 is a side elevational view of one of the partition strips which are fed into the assembly or nesting zone at the lower level (sheet l);

Fig. 44 is a similar view of one of the partition strips which are fed into the assembly or nesting zone at the upper level (sheet l);

Fig. 45 is an end view of a partition assembly or carton divider (sheet 1);

Fig. 46 is a top plan view thereof (sheet l); and

Fig. 47 is a diagrammatic illustration of the assembly or nesting operation at the half-way point (sheet 1).

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numerals, 50 indicates generally an automatic assembling or nesting machine for preformed partition strips which incorporates the teachings of the present invention. Broadly, the nesting machine 5t) includes a nesting mechanism 52 which assembles two tiers of supplied spaced edgewise partition strips into partition assemblies, two identical automatic partition strip feeding mechanisms 54 and 56 which are disposed at right angles to each other and which feed edgewise partition strips towards the nesting mechanism 52 for nesting, and two partition strip conveyor mechanisms 53 and 6i) which receive edgewise partition strips from the feeding mechanisms 54 and 56, respectively, and deliver them to the nesting mechanism 52 for assembly.

The nesting mechanism 52 is the focal point of the instant machine Sti and broadly includes a vertical support column 62 (Figs. 2, 6, 7, 23 and 30), an upper longitudinal partition strip receiving and lowering construction 64 (Figs. 3, 6-13, l8-20, 26 and 32), a lower transverse partition strip receiving construction 66 (Figs. 3, 6, 7, 16, 17, 24, 27 and 32), upper actuating construction 63 for effectuating the upper receiving and lowering construction 64 (Figs. 2, 3, 5-7, l5, 25, 2li, 29 and 31), lower actuating construction 7i) for effectuating the lower receiving construction 66 (Figs. 2, 3, 6, 7, 16, 25, 28, 29 and 3l), a power construction '72 (Figs. 2, 3, 5-7 and 25), and interrelating elements and connections.

The vertical support column 62 is of channel cross section and includes a vertical base wall and vertical side walls 76 and 77 (Figs. 2, 6, 7, 23 and 30). The support column 62 is bolted to a wide, low, heavy platform 78 which rests upon a Hoor or other supporting surface. A transversely disposed intermediate vertical plate 79 is welded to or formed integral with the side walls 76 and 77 for a purpose more particularly described below. The base wall 75 is of the horizontal cross section clearly shown in Figs. 8, 23 and 30, and includes diverging vertical guide iianges S0 and 81 between which is a channel 82. Each guide flange S0 and 31 has a divergent guide surface S3.

The longitudinal partition strip receiving and lowering construction 64 is adjustably mounted upon the support column 62 (Figs. 3, 6l3, l8-20, 26 und 32). A block 85 of the contiguration shown in Fig. 32 includes guide flanges 86 having convergent guide surfaces 87 which engage the divergent guide surfaces S3 of the guide flanges and 81 of the support column 62 for up and down movement, the block being secured in selected adjusted position by suitable bolts titl which thread the flanges 86 and engage the surfaces 33 of the support column 62. The block also includes four transversely aligned openings 9G and a vertically ettcuding Wall 91. A pair of opposed brackets 92 of the coufiguration clearly shown in Figs. 6, 8 and 26 engage the wall 91 of the block 85 and are clamped in position by suitable bolts which can be loosened to permit adjustment along the wall 91.

The brackets 92 support between them two pairs of plates 94 and 95, details of which are illustrated in Figs. 6 through 13 and 18 through 20, by means of end angle brackets 96 and intermediate angle brackets 97. all of which are secured to the upper surfaces of the supporting brackets 92 through suitable bolt and slot connections 98 to permit lateral adjustment. the vertical sides of the brackets 96 suspending the plates 94 and 95 by means of long bolts 99 and associated nuts (Figs. 8 and 9), the vertical sides of the angle brackets 97 being riveted or otherwise secured directly to the outer sides of the outer plates (Figs. 8 and 1l). A pair of brackets 100 are riveted to the opposing sides of lhc two inner plates 94 to further insure a relatively rigid construction. A suitable long bolt and nut asembly 101 limits outward movement of the supporting brackets 92. Each plate 94 and 95 is formed with a pair of vertical channels 103 of arcuate cross section, the four opposed pairs ofl vertical channels 103 receiving fourplunger rods 104 which are suspended frqsmahorizontal plate, V105, b eing secured thereto by bolts. 106. The plate 105 is secured by suitable bolts or rivets to the lower end of a movable rack bar 107 which is Amore particularly referred to'below in respect to its support and actuating construction.

A rod 108 is rotatably mounted in brackets 109along the lower edges of the opposed faces of theltwo plates 'A94 (Figs.V 10, l1 and 18 through 2G). Four trap-door hinge elements 110are keyed or otherwise secured to the rod 108 for movement therewith and extend through notches formed in the bottom edges o f both theplates 94 and 95. A coil spring 111 biases the rod 108 to dispose the trap-door elements 110 in the horizontal closing positionshown in the drawings, one end of the spring 111 being anchored to the rod 108 and the other end being anchored to'the plate 94 at 112. Manifestly, the trap-door elements 110 form a `collapsible bottom for each of the two pairs of plates 94 and 95, each pair of plates 94 and 95 being spaced to receive between them .partition strips of any material. just strong enough to support'partition strips.

. spring 114 is mounted on each plate 95 by means of'a The springs 111 are A leaf suitable bracket or clamp 115 and extends through an opening 116 into the space between pairs of plates 94 and 95 which engages received partition strips to prevent rebound and subsequent misalignment thereofit being necessary that the partition strips received between the plates 94 and 95 be aligned for accuratenesting with partition strips disposed below them. y.

Directly beneath the just described construction 64 is the transverse partition strip receiving construction 66 which also includes a supporting block 85' like that described above which is .similarly mounted on the support column 62 for vertical adjustment (Figs. 3, 6,7, 16, 17, 24, 27 and 32). Supporting brackets 120 of the form clearly shownin Figs. 6, 17 and 27 are secured to the wall 91 of the supporting block 85 in spaced relation by bolts 121. A rectangular plate 122 is secured to the horizontal flanges of the supporting brackets 1211 by suitable bolts 123 (Figs. 16 and 17). Three pairs of aligned rectangular openings 124 are Aformed in thel plate 122, and a substantially square opening 125 is formed in the plate 122 aligned with each pairof openings 124 and spaced therefrom, as is clear from Fig. 17.

A substantially square linger plate 127 is mounted beneath the plate 122, being secured by bolts 128 to a horizontal plate 129 which is welded to the upperend of a rack 130 (Figs. 16 and 24), the support and actuator construction therefor being more particularly discussed f below. Six pairs of fingers 132 are riveted or spot welded to the iinger plate 127 through base portions 133, said ngers 132 being of arcuate cross section and being disposed in spaced opposed divergent relation, the pattern being clearly shown in Fig. 24, each pair of ngers `132 extending through an opening 124in the plate 122 in one extreme position of movement. Three stop brackets 135 are riveted to the finger plate 127 in positionsk to extend relation to permit discharge from the machine 50 of each partition or carton divider as it is completed.

v For quick removal of completed partitions, air is supi plied through nozzles 138 extending vthrough the plate 122 and secured thereto by suitable nuts 13,9 (Figs. 6, 16 and 17). A hose 140 is secured to each nozzley 138 and to a double outlet standard air supply valve 1 41 which is connected to a source of suppliedair under pressure avia-a2? ythrough the openings 125 in the plate 122 and to serve through a hose 142. The air valve 141 includes a plunger 143 which is vdepressed by a pivotally` mounted lever 144 to deliver air to the nozzles 138 each time the lever 144 is `engaged by the plate 129 which supports the finger plate 127-,"or by some suitable member moving with or in timed relation-with the plate 129.

The upper actuating construction 68 for operating the upper receiving and lowering construction 64 includes a supporting block of the conguration clearly shown in Figs'. 6, 23 and 31, including attachment iianges 151 which engagel the guide anges 80 and 810i the support column 62 in the samemanner as the iianges 86 of the supporting block 85 described above, being secured in adjusted position by suitable bolts extending through the anges 151 land engaging the guide surfaces 83 of the guide flanges 81 (Figs. 2, 3, 5 through 7, 15, 23, 25, 28, 29 and l31). A large housing 153 of banjo configuration, as is clearly shown in Figs. 3, 6 and 7, is secured by suitable bolts 154 to that side of the supporting block 150 which is remote from the feeding mechanism 54, as is clear from Fig. 5. The housing 153 is normally. closed by a'cover 155, the latter frictionally engaging a shoulder formed in the former (Fig. 25), the cover 155 being in place in Fig. 3 and being removed in Fig. 6. A stub shaft 156 is rotatably mountedr in a bearing sleeve 157 supported by the neck 158 of a gear housing 159 which is secured to the outer surface of the housing 153 by suitable bolts 160 (Fig. 25). A heavy disc 162 is keyed to that end of the stub shaft 156 which extends into the housing 153, being maintained against removal by a suitable nut and washer assembly 163. A continuous eccentric track or channel is formed in the outer surface of the disc 162. A cam roller 166 rotatably mounted on a lever 167 is disposed in the track 165, the lever 167 being pivotally mounted at its lower end on a plate 168 by a suitable pivot bo1t.169,l the plate 168 being secured by bolts 170 to bosses formed integral with and within the housing 153 (Fig. 6). For adjustment purposes, the lever 167 includes a plurality of mounting apertures 171 (Fig. 29), and the plate 168 includes a plurality of apertures 172 for reception of the bolt 169 (Fig. 28). A lrack bar 174 is pivotally mounted at 175 to the other end of the lever 167 and is in meshing engagement with a pinion 176 keyed or secured by setscrews to a shaft 177 which extends from the housing 153 .and through a housing 178, havingbearing support on a sleeve 179 of the housing 153 and a boss 180 of the housing 178 (Figs. 6 and 15). The rack bar 174 rests on a anged roller 181 for reciprocative movement, the roller 181 being rotatably mountedy on a stub shaft 182 secured in a cup 183 formed integral with the housing 153. Y

The housing 178 is securedby suitable bolts 185 to the supporting block 150 and encases a gear 186 keyed to the shaft 177 and has the Arack bar 107 extending vertically therethrough in meshing engagement with the gear 186 (Figs. 7, 15, and 23). An end cap 188 secured to the housing 178 by suitable screws 189 permits lateral removal of the rack bar 107. Manifestly, upon rotation of the disc 162, the cam roller 166 will be cammed back and forth by the track 165 to effect reciprocation of the rack bar 174 and therethrough to effect vertical reciprocation of the rack bar 107 which carries the plunger rods 104,

there being a complete cycle of movement of the rack bar 107 for each three hundred and sixty degrees of rotation of the disc 162. The power construction 72.for rotating the stub shaft 156 which carries the disc 162 is more particularly described below.

`The lower actuating construction 70 for operating the lower transverse partition strip receiving construction 66 is identical with theV actuating construction 68 just described in detail, as is clearly evident from a consideration of'Figs 2, 3, 6, 7, 16, 25, 2S, 29 and 31. Hence, the same reference numerals have been applied to identical parts with primes to shorten the present specification. It is manifest that the tracks 165 and 165'tare adjusted in relation to each other so that the upper longitudinal partition strips are moved downwardly in nesting relation with the stationary lower transverse partition strips and the fingers 132 are withdrawn substantially simultaneously in timed relation so that the completed partition may be air discharged substantially immediately nesting is completed so that additional transverse and longitudinal partition strips may be fed into nesting positions.

The power construction 72 through which the discs 162 and 162 are rotated includes an electric motor 195 and reduction gearing 196, preferably built as a single unit as illustrated, mounted on a bracket 197 secured by suitable bolts 198 to the plate 79 above-mentioned as secured to and between the walls 76 and 77 of the support column 62 (Figs. 2, 3, 5 through 7, and 25). A conventional on-otf switch and wiring are provided (not shown). Bolts 199 anchor the motor 195 to the braeket'197. A power take-off stub shaft 200 is connected at one end operatively into the reduction gearing 196 and has its other end extending into a small gear box 201 secured by bolts 202 to the top of the bracket 197 (Figs. 6 and A bevelled gear 203 is secured by a setscrew or key to the end of the stub shaft 200 in the housing 201. In mesh with thc bevelled gear 203 are opposed bevelled pinions 204 and 205. The bevelled pinion 204 is secured by a setscrew to the lower end of a rotatably mounted shaft segment 206 which extends upwardly therefrom and telescopically receives by a pin and slot connection a sleeve 207 upon the other end. A shaft segment 208 has its lower end adjustably engaged in the sleeve 207 through a slot and pin connection and has secured to its upper end a bevelled pinion 209 which is disposed within the gear housing 159, the shaft segment 208 having bearing support in the wall thereof. The bevelled pinion 209 is in mesh with a bevelled gear 210 secured by a suitable setscrew to an end of the stub shaft 156 which mounts the disc 162 upon the other end. The gear housing 159 is closed by a cover 211 through suitable screws 212. The gear housing 159 is additionally braced by a plate 213 which is secured to the center of the cover 211 by a suitable screw 214, the plate 213 being secured by suitable bolts 215 to one side of the supporting block 150 (Figs. 7 and 23). Similarly, the bevelled pinion 205 is secured by a setscrew to the upper end of a shaft segment 218, the lower end of which extends into a sleeve 219 to which it is connected by a slot and pin connection (Fig. 25). A second shaft segment 220 extends into the sleeve 219 for a pin and slot connection and extends through a gear housing 159' in which it has rotative bearing support and has keyed thereto a pinion 209 which is in mesh with a bevelled gear 213i' secured by a setscrcw to the end of the stub shaft 156'. The shaft segment 220 extends on through the gear housing 159' for a power purpose more particularly described below. The gear housing 159 is supported similarly to the gear housing 159.

The two blocks 85 and their supported constructions 64 and 66 and the two supporting blocks 150 and their supported constructions 68 and 70 are vertically adjustable on the guide flanges 80 and 31 of the support column 62 by means of four threaded shafts 225, 226, 227 and 22S which extend through a plate 229 secured by bolts 230 to the top of the support column 62, being maintained in suspended relation therefrom by upper and lower collars 231 located at opposite sides of the plate 229 (Figs. 5 through 8, 17 and 23). Each such threaded shaft has a squared upper end 232 for the reception of a crank handle indicated in Fig. 6 by broken lines 233. The shaft 225 passes freely through the upper block 150 and the two blocks 8S and has threaded engagement with the lower block 150. Similarly, the shaft 226 passes freely through the upper block 150 and the upper block 85, but has threaded engagement with the lower block 85, being terminated short of the lower block 150; the shaft 227 passes freely through the upper block 150 and has threaded engagement with the upper block 85, being cut off short of the lower block and the shaft 228 has threaded engagement with the upper block 150, being cut off short of the upper block 85. The several shafts 225 through 228 are broken off in Figs. 6 and 7 in a manner to clearly illustrate the relationship just described.

As stated above, the two automatic partition strip feeding mechanisms 54 and 56 are identical with each other and with corresponding parts of the automatic partition strip feeding mechanism disclosed in the applicants copending application above-identified which is incorporated herein by reference as to such corresponding parts. Hence, it is unnecessary to burden the present lengthy application with a detailed description of each of these feeding mechanisms 54 and 56. It is adequate for a full disclosure of the present invention to briefly point out that each feeding mechanism 54 and 56 includes a base construction 240 which supports an adjustable partition strip hopper construction 242 and adjustably supports a partition strip support and conveyor construction 244 which extends forwardly from the base construction 240 as is clear from the drawings. Each also includes a partition strip release construction 246 which is automatically actuated by the conveyor construction 244 to simultaneously release the bottom and top partition strips 247 and 248, respectively, in the hopper construction 242 to permit such partition strips to drop by gravity onto plates which dispose them edgewise. Additionally, each feed mechanism 54 and 56 includes spaced pairs of guide plates 249, three pairs being shown as part of the feed mechanism 54 and two pairs as part of the feed mechanism 56, which guide partition strips to the partition strip conveyor mechanisms 58 and 60, the partition strips sliding along a plate 250 and being simultaneously pushed by transverse pusher shafts 251 conveyed endlessly by endless chains forming part of the mentioned support and conveyor construction 244. As stated and particularly described in the applicants copending application, the several components of the feeding mechanisms 54 and 56 are adjustable to accommodate partition strips of various lengths, widths and thicknesses.

The sprockets of the conveyor constructions 244 and 244' (reference numerals applied to the feeding mechanism 56 are primed) derive power from the motor 195 (Figs. 2, 5, 7 and 14). A composite extensible shaft 253 has its upper end extending into a bevelled gear case 254 wherein it is operatively connected through bevelled gears and bevelled pinions to one sprocket of the conveyor construction 244 in the same manner as disclosed in the applicants above-identified copending application, and has its lower end extending into a bevelled gear casing 255 mounted on a support 256, the bevelled gears and bevelled pinions within the casings 254 and 255 not being shown. A second composite shaft 257 extends into the casing 255 and into a casing 258 bolted to the platform 78 directly beneath the gear housing 159'. The shaft segment 2241 extends into the casing 258 as is clear from Figs. 7 and 25, the composite shaft 257 being operatively connected to the lower end of the shaft segment 220 within the casing 25S through the usual bevelled gear and bevelled pinion such as is shown in the gear housing 159', the composite shaft 257 being similarly operatively connected within the casing 25S to the composite shaft 253, whereby power is transmitted to the conveyor construction 244 of the feed mechanism 54 to effect endless movement of its transversely disposed pusher shafts 251. Similarly, power is transmitted to the conveyor construction 244 of the feeding mechanism 56 through Composite shafts 260 and 261 and operatively connecting bevelled gears and bevelled pinions within casings 262 and 263, the composite shaft 260 being operatively connected to the bevelled gears and pinions within the casing 255 (Figs. 2, 3 and 5).

The partition strip conveyor mechanism 60 accepts aligned rows of edgewise upper partition strips 248 with the openings directed downwardly (Fig. 44) and pushes them into position between described above. 60 are best followed in Figs. 3, 5, 2 1, 22 and 33 through 42, and includes a base plate 270 of the configuration vclearly-shown in Figs.33 and 34. The base plate 270 has .two transverse channels 271 vextending fully thereacross of substantially double T-crosssection-' The base plate 270 is bolted along its rear edgeto the"'horizontal ange ofy an vangular transversely disposed member 273 centrally ofthe conveyor construction 244', the member 273-being bolted to the forward ends of the side members thepairs of plates 494, 95 The details of the conveyor mechanism of the conveyor construction 244i (Fig. 2l). As additional support for the base'plate 270, rods 274 engage openings in the sides of the base plate 270 forwardlythereof and are anchored in integral vertical extensions ofthe 'side members of the conveyor construction 244.

j 'Four posts275 extend-vertically from wells in the base plate 270 and are supported thereby (Figs. 35v and 37). An endless chain support 277 is supported by each pair of posts .275 through the medium.' of brackets 278 which are secured by bolts 279'to the chain supports, the-posts 275V extending throughopeningsin the brackets 278.and being maintained in selective position of vertical adjustment by suitable setscrews 280. As is clear from Figs. 35, 37 and 39, each chain support 277 includes a central portion 281 and endportions 282, the end portions 282 externally slidingly engaging the central portion 281and being maintained against .removal by an internally located strap 2834 which is secured to the several parts by suitable screws 284. The end portions 282 are of heavier construction and rotatably support shafts 285 to each end of which, within the chain support 277, are pinned sprockets 286 (Fig. 40). A chain 287 is disposed about each pair of sprockets 286.-' A single partition strip pusher shaft 288 of tubular cross section is secured to the two chains 287, such as by plugs 289 and reduced extensions 290 threading chain links (Fig. 4l). are .located above the surface of the base plate 270 so that the upper reachesareabove partition strips 247 being fed to the conveyor mechanism 5,8,y the pusher.. shaft 288i moving: into operative position behind suchV partition strips 247 fromabove. rvThis is clear from an inspection vof Fig. 21 taken with Fig.` 5. l

The chains 287 ably disposed .in-the head and'subheadv of the double T-cross section channel 271 (Figs. 35, 36 and 38). Aligned pairs of posts 292 support opposed pairs of guide plates 295 throughthe medium of horizontally disposed apertured ears 296. The guide plates 295 are vilared at their partition strip receiving ends and extend beyond the posts 292 at their forward ends (.Fig. 35

Power is supplied to the.V conveyor mechanism from the' conveyor-construction 244' ofthe feeding mechanism which the gear 299 is secured by a suitable Vsetscrew. As

isclear fromv Figs. 5. andZ-l', the stubshaft 302 is secured .by asuitable connector303 to ashaft 304 which is rotatably supported by av bearing bracket 305- from .an integral extension of the side member of the conveyor construction 244.' ofthe feeding mechanism 56 andhas secured toits-free' endby asuitable setscrew a sprocket 306.

"Belowzfthesprocket 306 is a sprocket 307 secured by a suitable setscrew to an extensionof the forward power fdrive'nv shaft ofthe conveyor construction. 244 (above scribed above in detail.

in the described). An `endless chain-308 is disposed about the two sprockets' 306 and 307.'V .l

The conveyor mechanism v538 is` identical with the conveyorv mechanism 60 Vjust described, and, therefore, the

identical elements thereof are indicated by primed reference numerals corresponding to the reference numerals appliedto the parts of the conveyor mechanism 60. v

Y Operation Y As is'indicated above, the feeding mechanism 54 suppliesedgewise disposed lower transverse partition strips 247 to the vconveyor mechanism 58, andthe feeding mechanism 56 supplies aligned edgewise disposed upper partition strips 24S-to the conveyor mechanism. 60. In thus supplying the partition strips 247' and-v 248, the feeding mechanisms 54 and 56 function in identically the same manner as is described in detail for corresponding parts in the applicants copending application above-identified. Theconveyor 58 through the immediate agency of its pusher bar 28S slides the receivedV edgewise partition `strips 247 onto the plate 122 betweenthe ingers 132 and against the stops 135. Substantially simultaneously therewith, the pusher bar 288 of the conveyor mechanism 60 is eiective to slide received edgewise partition strips 248 between the pairsof guide plates 94 and 95 of the receiving and lowering construction 64 which are sustained against dropping by the trap-door elements andare prevented from rebounding by the leaf springs 114.' As the two sets of partition strips247 and 24S-are positioned as stated, the plunger rods 104. are positively moved downwardly engaging thetop edges of the partition strips 248 and quickly nesting them with the awaiting partition strips 247. As the plunger rods 104-begin their downward descent, the fingers 132 andthe stops 135 begin withdrawal action under power from the rack bar so that the completed partition maybe air discharged from the machine'50 immediately the plunger rods 104 start upwardly. Meanwhile, additional sets of partition strips 247 and 248 are'being moved towards the lingers 132andthe pairs of plates 94 and 95, the fingers 132 and the plunger rods 104 reappearing and clearing, respectively, just in time for the reception of the repeat partition strips 247 and 248. The timing effected through the cam tracks and165f is such that no bottlenecks exist in each cycle, thereby rendering. the machine 50 capable of producing completed partitions at a high rate of ,speed. It is `to be observed from an inspection of Fig-6 that the dwell positions of the plunger rods 104 and the ngers 132 are those illustrated in the vsaid Fig. 6. The downward movement and return ofthe plunger rods 104 and the downward movement and return of the fingers 132 are substantially continuous.

The effective action of the cam tracks 165 and 165' may be varied through selectively mounting the pivot screw 169 in an opening of the plate 168 or'aperture 171 lever 167. The action of the cam tracks 165 and 165' through the several connected elements to the plunger rods 104 and the fingers 132 is of a positive nature which is a highly desirable feature for a partition forming machine.

The several component parts of the nesting mechanism 52 may be vertically adjusted through the. medium-of thethreaded shafts 225 through 228 in the manner de- Any such adjustment can be quickly accomplished and may be necessary when differentsized partition strips from those previously nested are desired assembled into partitions. Tne conveyor mechanisms 58 and 60 are also adjustable in respect to their component parts, asis particularly detailed above. The machine 50 has been described in relation to nesting three transverse partition stripsr 247 and two longitudinal partition stripsv 248, but it is vto be clearly understood that Vthe machine 50 may be set up tonest a lesser or a greater number of .each as is desired. As

ris explained .in the applicants copending application above-identified, the feeding mechanisms 54 and 56 may supply a selected number of edgewise disposed partition strips, the illustration embodiment in that application supplying live such edgewise disposed partition strips. Similarly, more than three pairs of guide plates 295 may be readily and conveniently installed on the base plates 295 and 295. The plate 122 and the linger plate 127 may be replaced by a pair of plates incorporating a greater or lesser number of'ngers 132 and stops 135. Similarly, a greater number of pairs of guide plates $4 and 95 may be employed if desired.

It is manifest that there has been provided an automatic assembling or nesting machine for handling preformed partition strips which fullills the objects and advantages sought therefor.

lt is to be understood that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings have been given by way of illustration and example. It is also to be understood that changes in form of the elements, rearrangement of parts, and substitution of equivalent elements, which will i be obvious to those skilled in the art, are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

l. In combination, in an automatic partition strip nesting machine, partition strip nesting mechanism comprising means for receiving and holding one set of parallel partition strips including a plurality of pairs of retractable fingers which receive the strips, said lingers being cyclically retractable for removal of a nested partition assembly, means for receiving and holding a second set of parallel partition strips transversely disposed relative to and above said one set of partition strips, said second mentioned means including releasable springbiased holding means, plunger means for overcoming said releasable holding means and moving partition strips as sets into engagement with sets of partition strips held by said lirst mentioned means, and positive action power means for moving said plunger means and said retractable fingers through their movement cycle.

2. In combination, in an automatic partition strip nesting machine, partition strip nesting mechanism comprising means for receiving and holding one set of parallel partition strips, means for receiving and holding a second set of parallel partition strips transversely disposed relative to and above said one set of partition strips, said second mentioned means including releasable holding means, plunger means for overcoming said releasable holding means and moving partition strips as sets into engagement with sets of partition strips held by said lirst mentioned means, positive action power means for moving said plunger means through its movement cycle including rack and pinion means operatively connected to said plunger means, cam and lever means operatively connected to said rack and pinion means, and eccentric means having an annular eccentric track receiving said cam portion of said cam and lever means for moving the same in a positive manner.

3. ln combination, in an automatic partition strip nesting machine, partition strip nesting mechanism comprising means for receiving and holding one set of parallel partition strips including a plurality of pairs of retractable lingers which receive the partition strips, means for receiving and holding a second set of parallel partition strips transversely disposed relative to and above said one set of partition strips, said second mentioned means including releasable holding means, plunger means for overcoming said releasable holding means and moving partition strips as sets into engagement with sets of Y partition strips held by said lirst mentioned means, positive action power means for moving said plunger means through its movement cycle and for retracting said lingers as nesting is being accomplished, and means for automatically discharging the completed partition while the.

Cil

lingers are retracted and after said plunger means begins withdrawal.

4. In combination, in an automatic partition strip nesting machine, partition strip nesting mechanism comprising means for receiving and holding one set of parallel partition strips including a plurality of pairs of rctractable fingers which receive the partition strips, means for receiving and holding a second set of parallel partition strips transversely disposed relative to and above said one set of partition strips, said second mentioned means including pairs of parallel plates, each pair of plates having spring biased hinged members forming releasable bottoms therefor, plunger means for overcoming said releasable bottoms and moving partition strips as sets into engagement with sets of partition strips held by said rst mentioned means, positive action power means for moving said plunger means through its movemeut cycle and for retracting said lingers as nesting is being accomplished, and means for automatically discharging the completed partition while the lingers are retracted and after said plunger means begins withdrawal.

5. In combination, in an automatic partition strip nesting machine, partition strip nesting mechanism comprising means for receiving and holding one set of parallel partition strips including a plurality of pairs of ,retractable lingers which receive the partition strips, means for receiving and holding a second set of parallel partition strips transversely disposed relative to and above said one set of partition strips, said second mentioned means including releasable holding means, plunger means for overcoming said releasable holding means and moving partition strips as sets into engagement with sets of partition strips held by said tirst mentioned means, positive action power means for moving said plunger means through its movement cycle and for retracting said lingers as nesting is being accomplished, means for automatically discharging the completed partition while thc fingers are retracted and after said plunger means begins withdrawal, means for feeding edgewise disposed longitudinal partition strips to said nesting mechanism from stacks of such strips, and means for feeding edgewise disposed transverse partition strips to said nesting mechanism from stacks of such strips.

6. In combination, in an automatic partition strip nesting machine, partition strip nesting mechanism comprising means for receiving and holding one set of parallel partition strips including a plurality of pairs of retractable lingers which receive the partition strips, means for receiving and holding a second set of parallel partition strips transversely disposed relative to and above said one set of partition strips, said second mentioned means including releasable holding means, plunger means for overcoming said releasable holding means and moving partition strips as sets into engagement with sets of partition strips held by said first mentioned means, positive action power means for moving said plunger means through its movement cycle and for retracting said lingers as nesting is being accomplished, means for automatically discharging the completed partition while the lingers are retracted and after said plunger means begins withdrawal, means for feeding sets of parallel partition strips to said lrstmentioned receiving and holding means, and means for feeding sets of parallel partition strips to said secondmentioned receiving and holding means.

7. In combination, in an automatic partition strip nesting machine, partition strip nesting mechanism comprising means for receiving and holding one set of parallel partition strips including a plurality of pairs of retractable fingers which receive the partition strips, means for rcceiving and holding a second sety of parallel partition strips transversely disposed relative to and above said one set of partition strips, said second mentioned means including releasable holding means, plunger means for overcoming said releasable holding means and moving partition strips as sets into engagement with sets of partition strips held by-said iirst mentioned-means, positive action power means for moving said plunger means through its movement cycle and for retrzcting said fingers as nesting Vis being accomplished, means for automatically discharging the completed partition while the yfingersare yretracted and after said plunger means begins withdrawal, means for edgewise disposing stacks of corrugatedv longitudinal partition strips and for pushing 'such edgewise disposed strips towards said nesting mechanism, conveyor means for accepting said longitudinal strips and for pushing such strips into nesting position in said nesting mechanism, means for edgewisedisposing stacks of corrugated transverse partition strips and for pushing suchjedgewise disposed strips towards said nesting mechanism, and 'conveyor means for accepting said transverse stripsand for pushing said strips into nesting position in said nesting mechanism. v

8. In combination, an automatic partition strip nestingY machine comprising a supporting standard, nesting means including means for receiving and holding a set of parallel longitudinal partition strips, means for receiving and holding a set of parallel transverse partitionl strips, said two receiving and holding means being individually mounted on said supporting standardin superposed relation, means for individually moving said two vreceiving and holding means vertically towards and away from each other, one of said receiving and holding means being disposed relative to the other for receiving partition strips therefrom in nesting relationrwith partition strips held thereby, means for forcing partition strips from saidl other receiving and holding means towards said one receiving and holding means, means for feeding sets of parallel longitudinal partition strips to said receiving and holding means therefor, and means for feeding sets of parallel transverse partition strips to said receiving and holding means therefor.

9. In combination, in an automatic partition strip nesting machine, partition strip nesting mechanism comprising first meansl for receiving and holding groups of parallel partition strips, second means for Vreceiving and holding groups of parallel partition strips, means for moving held prising means for receiving and holding one set of parallel partition strips, means for receiving and holding a second set of parallel partition strips transversely disposed relative to and above said one set of partition strips, said second mentioned means including hinged elements for releasably supporting partition strips spring-biased into supporting positions, plunger means for overcoming saidy spring-biased hinged elements and moving partition strips as sets into engagement with sets of partition strips held by said first mentioned means, and power means for moving said plunger means through its movement cycle.

1l. In combination, in an automatic partition strip nesting machine, partition strip nesting mechanism comprising means for receiving and holding one set of parallel partition strips, means for receiving and holding a second set of parallel partition strips transversely disposed relative to and above said one set of partition strips, said second mentioned means including releasable holding means, plunger means for overcoming said releasable holding means and moving partition strips as sets into engagement with sets of partition strips held by said first mentioned means, positive action vpower means for moving said l plunger means through its movement cycle including rack and pinion' means-operatively connected to said plunger means, cam and lever means operatively connected to said rack and pinion means, said lever of said cam and lever means being mounted for adjustment of the stroke of said plunger, `and eccentric means having an annularv eccentric track receiving said cam portion of said cani and lever means for moving the same in a positive manner.

l2. In combination, in lan automatic partitionl strip nesting machine, partition strip nesting mechanism comprising means for receiving and holding one set of parallel partition strips, including a plurality of-pairs of retractable ringers which receive the strips, said fingers vbeing cyclicallyretrac'table for removal of a nested partition assembly, means lfor receiving and holding va second set of parallel partition strips transversely disposed relative toand above said one set of partition strips, said second mentioned means includingv releasable holding means, plunger means for overcoming said releasable holding means and moving partition strips as sets into engagementwith setscof partition strips held by said iirst mentionedvmeans, positive action powervmeans for moving saidplunger means and said fingers through their movement cycles including separate rack and pinion means operatively connected to each of said plunger means and said fingers, cam and lever means operatively connected to each of said rack and pinion means, and eccentric means having an annular eccentric track receiving said cam portion of each of said cam and lever means for moving the same in a positive manner.

l3. In combination, in an automatic partition strip nesting machine, partition strip nesting mechanism comprising means for receiving and holding one set of parallel partition strips, includingy a plurality ofy pairs of retractable fingers which receive the strips, said ngers being cyclically retractable for removal of a nested Vpartition assembly, means for receiving and holding a second set of parallel partition strips transversely disposed relative to and above said one set of partition strips, said second mentioned means including releasable holding ymeans, plunger means fory overcoming said releasable holding meansand moving partition strips as sets into engagement with sets of partition strips held by said irirst mentioned means, positive action power means for moving said plunger means and said fingers through their movement cycles including separate rack and pinion means operatively connected to each of said plunger means and said fingers, cam and lever means operatively connected lto each of said rack and pinion means, said lever of veach of said cam and lever means being mounted for adjustment of the stroke of said plunger, and eccentric means having an annular eccentric track receiving said cam portion of each of said cam and' lever meansfor moving the same in a positive manner.

l4. In combination, in an automatic partition strip nesting machine, partition strip nesting'mechanism comprising means for receiving and holding one set of parallel partition strips including a plurality of pairs of retractable iingers which receive the partition strips, means for receiving and holding a second set of parallel partition strips transversely disposed relative to and above said one-set of partition strips, said second mentioned means including releasable holding means, plunger means for overcoming said releasable holding means and moving partition strips as sets into engagement with sets of partition strips held by said iirst mentioned means, and powermeans for movv ing said plunger means through its movement cycle and for retracting said fingers as nesting is beingaccomplished.

l5. In combination, in an automatic partition strip nesting machine, partition strip nesting mechanism comprising means for receiving and holding one set of parallel partition stripsr including a plurality of pairs of retractable lingers which receive the partition strips, means for receiving and holding a second set of parallel partition strips transversely disposed relative to and above-said lone set of partition strips, said second mentioned means including pairs of parallel plates, each pair of plates having spring biased hinged members forming releasable bottoms therefor, plunger means for overcoming said releasable bottoms and moving partition strips as sets into engagement with sets of partition strips held by said first mentioned means, and power means for moving said plunger means through its movement cycle and for retracting said lingers as nesting is being accomplished.

16. ln combination, in an automatic partition strip nesting machine, partition strip nesting mechanism comprising means for receiving and holding one set of parallel partition strips including a plurality of pairs of retractable fingers which receive the partition strips, means for receiving and holding a second set of parallel partition strips transversely disposed relative to and above said one set of partition strips, said second mentioned means including relcasable holding means, plunger means for overcoming said releasable holding means and moving partition strips as sets into engagement with sets of partition strips held by said first mentioned means, power means for moving said plunger means through its movement cycle and for retracting said lingers as nesting is being accomplished, means for feeding edgewise disposed longitudinal partition strips to said nesting mechanism from stacks of such strips, and means for feeding edgewise disposed transverse partition strips to said nesting mechanism from stacks of such strips.

17. ln combination, in an automatic partition strip nesting machine, partition strip nesting mechanism comprising means for receiving and holding one set of parallel partition strips including a plurality of pairs of retractable lingers which receive the partition strips, means for receiving and holding a second set of parallel partition strips transversely disposed relative to and above said one set of partition strips, said second mentioned means including releasable holding means, plunger means for overcoming said releasable holding means and moving partition strips as sets into engagement with sets of partition strips held by said rst mentioned means, power means for moving said plunger means through its movement cycle and for retracting said ngers as nesting is being accomplished, means for feeding sets of parallel partition strips to said first-mentioned receiving and holding means, and means for feeding sets of parallel partition strips t0 said second-mentioned receiving and holding means.

18. In combination, in an automatic partition strip nesting machine, partition strip nesting mechanism comprising means for receiving and holding one set of parallel partition strips including a plurality of pairs of retractable ngers which receive the partition strips, means for receivingl and holding a second set of parallel partition strips transversely disposed relativev to and above said one set of partition strips, said second mentioned means including releasable holding means, plunger means for overcoming said releasable holding means and moving partition strips as sets into'engagement with sets of partition strips held by said rst mentioned means, power means for moving said plunger means through its movement cycle and for retracting said lingers as nesting is being accomplished, means for edgewise disposing stacks of corrugated longitudinal partition strips and for pushing such edgewise disposed strips towards said nesting mechanism, conveyor means for accepting said longitudinal strips and for pushing such strips into nesting position in said nesting mechanism, means for edgewise disposing stacks of corrugated transverse partition strips and for pushing such edgewise disposed strips towards said nesting mechanism, and conveyor means for accepting said transverse strips and for pushing said strips into nesting position in said nesting mechanism.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 586,519 Herr July 13, 1897 824,155 Sheperd June 26, 1906 1,682,878 Willi Sept. 4, 1928 1,996,812 Jensen et al. Apr. 9, 1935 2,224,510 Coyle Dec. 10, 1940 2,493,243 Godwin Jan. 3, 1950 

